Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Dec 4: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another Trinamool Congress worker, identified as Buddhadeb Mondal, in connection with the murder of BJP leader Vijay Krishna Bhuiyan in Moyna, East Midnapore.
According to sources, the NIA carried out searches at multiple locations on Wednesday. Acting on a confidential tip-off, investigators learned that Buddhadeb was hiding at a relative’s house in Pingla, West Midnapore. A swift raid led to his arrest, and he was brought to Kolkata on Thursday morning for interrogation.
The case dates back to May 1, 2023, when Vijay Krishna, the Booth President, was allegedly kidnapped. His wife, Lakshmi Bhuiyan, filed a complaint after he failed to return home. Soon after, his body—bearing multiple injuries—was found in a pond near his residence. A total of 34 individuals were named in the FIR at Moyna police station, many of them linked to the Trinamool Congress.
Eight people were initially arrested, but five were later granted bail. Citing dissatisfaction with the investigation, the BJP sought judicial intervention, following which the Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the NIA.
Since taking over, the central agency has conducted incident reconstruction, raids across several villages, and searches led by nearly 150 officers divided into 14 teams. Many accused, including Buddhadeb, went absconding during this period.
Notable earlier arrests include Amitabha alias Babu Bhanja, former vice-president of the Moyna Block Trinamool Congress, Sujit Kar, former vice-president of the Bakcha region TMC unit, and Nabakumar Mandal from Bakcha Goramahal.
The NIA continues efforts to apprehend the remaining accused and build a comprehensive case surrounding the politically sensitive murder.